From the moment you step on board for the first time your senses tell you that you are in for a ride. The air is electrified with excitement as you enter the main atrium and are greeted by ship staff (one ship we stayed on announced each family over the ship PA system as you stepped off the gangway into the atrium – wow, talk about making you feel special).
Here are some of the activities you can experience on board as well as on shore and I think you will agree that boredom is not an option while cruising throughout the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Poolside is always a boisterous place with people swimming, hanging out in the hot tubs, sitting at the bar enjoying a drink, or just sitting around a table with friends talking about what’s next. This is where the band is setup and it is common to see people being lead into some sort of dance by a crew member. Our days usually start and end around the pool deck.
Throughout the day there will be organized events on the stage by the pool. This could be a special dance, a hairy chest contest – usually 풀싸롱 for the men, a men against the women challenge which usually involves some silly activity that both parties attempt, or some other fun event. Mind you that these activities are always tasteful and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Up top there is usually a basketball court where you can shoot a few hoops or play a full game in an event arranged by the crew, play some volleyball or as on one ship get a chance to ride a Segway – a two wheeled upright people mover. On the sports deck you can usually find a few ping pong tables, mini golf, or even an inline skate track. On Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, as well as other’s in their fleet, they have a 30′ Rock Climbing Wall. The ship provided all the safety gear including helmets and harnesses and trained crew members took care of belaying for each climber.
If you feel like working out you will find a well complimented gym containing various pieces of exercise equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, weight machines and free weights. They offer aerobic classes and for any who decide to start an exercise regime onboard you can have one of the personal fitness trainers guide you through a program designed for your fitness level.
For the ultimate in pampering – hey that’s what cruises do best – you can sign up for special spa treatment such as a facial, pedicure, neck massage, back massage, or even a full body wrap. They even offer the full cosmetic treatment so you can spend the day getting ready for the formal night.